Dual Arc heroine Treve made an impressive winning reappearance in the Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud.
The five-year-old was sent off the 7-10 favourite for her return to action over an extended mile and a quarter and ultimately won well.
After a smart start, Treve was reined back by Thierry Jarnet as rank outsider and stablemate Silvaplana adopted a pacemaking role.
Having travelled strongly throughout, Treve moved closer to the front from the home turn and once let down by Jarnet in the closing stages, quickly asserted, with her trademark acceleration seeing her bound four lengths clear by the time she crossed the line.
Criquette Head-Maarek's brilliant mare looked set to be retired after successfully defending her crown in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp last October.
But owner Sheikh Joaan sportingly decided to bring her back for another campaign in the hope she can become the first horse to win Europe's premier middle-distance event three times.
Head-Maarek confirmed the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on 28 June would be next on the agenda after Treve's four-length defeat of We Are.
"She did everything I thought she would so I am delighted," said the trainer.
"She will improve a lot on that and there's so much to look forward to, with the Grand Prix back here the next step."
The owner's racing manager, Harry Herbert, was similarly pleased and feels the mare will be an even more potent force later in the campaign.
He said: "It's fantastic to come here and see her do what she's been doing on the gallops in the style of the champion she is.
"It is early for her, and a real bonus."
